Compostable bin liners & bin bags

Choosing compostable bin liners

Compostable bin liners are made from plant-based materials rather than plastic, so they can go into compost with the food waste inside them. Check two things before you buy: the size of your bin or caddy, and whether the liners are certified for home composting or only for industrial composting. Eco Green Living makes both packs here, from non-edible thistles and plant starch, and says they are third-party certified as compostable at home and in industrial composting. Each brand on Ziracle is checked on its materials and packaging before it is listed.

30 litre compostable bin bags

These compostable bin bags hold 30 litres and measure 104cm around and 64cm long, which suits a tall kitchen bin or a large food waste caddy. You can buy a single roll of 18 bags, or a pack of four rolls with 72 bags, which saves reordering every few weeks. The bags are breathable, so moisture from food waste can pass through, which the brand says helps them break down. Eco Green Living says they decompose within 8 to 12 weeks in home composting. They arrive in a recycled and recyclable box.

Using compostable bin liners for food waste

Because they are made to break down, compostable bags are best for food scraps rather than heavy, sharp or wet general rubbish. Empty them every few days, and keep the roll somewhere cool and dry until you need it, as heat and damp can weaken the bags before use. Wipe the caddy out between bags, and put a sheet of newspaper in the bottom to soak up liquid. Check your council's rules before putting them in a food waste bin, because some councils accept only certain liners, and some ask you not to use bags at all.

Composting at home

If you have a compost heap, add the bags with their contents and mix in dry material such as cardboard or leaves, which stops the heap getting too wet. Turn the heap every few weeks. Bags break down fastest in a warm, active heap, so they may take longer in winter. Washing Up has more plastic-free kitchen swaps, Multi-Purpose has cleaners for the rest of the house, Kitchen Storage has food storage, and Biodegradable, compostable, recyclable: What these words actually mean explains the labels.